Blue Milk Special

Seems Boba Fett has a sense of humor that John McClane could appreciate. Here’s a summary of the scene: 4-LOM, supposedly killed aboard SLAVE-1, reactivated and wrested control of the ship from it’s master, Boba Fett. He sent a signal to Bossk & co who homed in on Boba’s ship. Zuckuss and Furlag boarded SLAVE-1 while Bossk awaited their return. However, Boba Fett re-killed 4-LOM. Droids seem to have a lot of luck when it comes to miraculously returning. Unfortunately for Furlag, he isn’t a droid! Boba takes Zuckuss captive but sends the dead bodies of the rest of the bounty hunter boarding party back to Bossk’s ship, along with some thermal detonators. Will Bossk survive? Yes. Of course. Too much merchandising appeal for that character.

In case you cared about Furlag, here’s a pic of the character by the Brothers Hildebrandt. His uniform is a little different in the Dark Horse comics, which is where Leanne took her inspiration. This strip, is of course, a homage to my second favorite Christmas movie.

Before I launch into the final part of my interview with Brian King, creator of InkOutBreak, I just want to add that I am aware there are other webcomic reader sites out there. I am more than happy to give some time to them in future blogs, but one thing I admire about Brian’s work is his openness. He is a cartoonist and has his own webcomic, Mayoking which I encourage you all to check out (warning, coarse language).

A Revolution in Webcomics Part 3

BMS: You are a webcomic creator yourself. What’s it like balancing being technically creative with InkOutBreak and artisitcally creative with your own comic?

Brian: Well I am a developer full time, so I get in the loop of SOLVE / DEVELOP / SOLVE / DEVELOP all week so when I switch from creating large scale network monitoring databases to ink its a smooth transition. My comic is my escape though. There is just nothing better than laughing at your own jokes. I sit in a hangout sometimes with friends while I draw and just ramble about things, and get some great tips from artists like John Wigger from Zombie Roomie and Mary Tanner from Internet-webcomic. I feel like I have two minds when it comes to the two project cause my comic is usually simple humor, long goofy stories and usually a good laugh. It is definitely a full break away from what I normally do.

BMS: Tell us a little about your comic.

Brian: I am a big storyteller in my life. I love making up weird stories about people in situations. It’s even better when you can keep someone going believing it and then say “just kidding”. I find those jokes make it to Mayoking Comics a lot. I am a married guy so there are relationship jokes, that my wife hates but still laughs at. I don’t plan to ever make it big with Mayoking but I do have quite a few readers, and I cherish them. I am sure you can relate to how good it feels to make someone laugh.

I do hope to someday do a story comic, but I need to get my art up to par. I would say another year of comics and I will be there.

BMS: What’s next?

Brian: I am working with someone to get Ink’s blog back up to par, and start highlighting and interviewing some of the amazing creators out there. I have dabbled with the idea of doing a podcast, but I always chicken out. I have high hopes for Ink’s third year. I am trying to get some other people on board as well as getting an android and iOS app available in the next few months.

As for Mayoking Comics, I will just keep updating M-W-F until I cant draw anymore. I will actually be attending my first con in September. It is in Las Vegas so its right next door. Should be cool meeting local artists.

BMS: What do webcomics mean to you?

Brian: As a reader it means there is something for everyone. I have discovered so many comics along this journey it’s crazy. I love to support the webcomics I read, and its huge to know that the money you give these creators goes to them. There is no middle man soaking it up. I love buying the books to share them with friends who do not read comics online to introduce them to comics. It is a very personal level you can get to know a comic creator with webcomics.

As a creator this is a “no red-tape” medium. You can put whatever you want in your comic. Censorship is a big thing to overcome now-a-days, to be able to have an open voice must drive published creators crazy. You answer to your audience, and if you treat them well… they will treat you well. The internet has opened so many doors for creative types, not just with webcomics but websites as well. Work hard on your projects, and make a profit… it’s a re-established American dream, but online. This is something you can do from anywhere and share it to millions of people.

It is an inspiring time right now in webcomics with the inclusion of sites like kickstarter / indiegogo.com, these have been game changers for people chasing their dream. A friend of mine did an idiegogo. I funded it and I am so proud to have that book. It was from Andrew Gregoire of I am ARG! I was listed in the special thanks (I only bought a book, but it was more of a thanks for Ink), and he also drew a great drawing in it for me. It’s a very personal market. Especially if you are reading these creators’ blogs day-in and day-out.

Webcomics are still a niche, but I feel we are getting so close to a bigger market because of all the amazing creators out there putting solid work online.

A special thank you to Brian for taking the time to share his thoughts. I hope this little glance into the wider world of webcomics helps some of you guys to branch out further as readers. You might already have a long reading list, but find InkOutBreak useful. Or you might use alternatives to InkOutBreak. Feel free to comment below.